It is no mistake that you were born into this time, this generation. God marked out your appointed time in history and the boundaries of your habitation. You were not given any say as to which family or nationality you would belong. Your heritage was chosen by God. He gave you the skills and gifts necessary to live out your years during this timeframe, according to His plan for you.

“From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”
Acts 17:26 (NIV)

“And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation”
Acts 17:26 (NASB)

While in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked if there was any other way (besides crucifixion) to fulfill God’s plan and purpose for saving mankind. He was met with silence. If the cup does not pass-it’s critical in serving God’s purpose.

When we face adversity and trials, we must acknowledge God’s right to use our circumstances for His divine purpose. We might not understand the reason for our hardship, but it is certain they play a critical part in fulfilling God’s will.

When we examine Romans 8:27 we are told that the Holy Spirit searches our hearts and makes intercession for us according to the will of God. The Greek meaning for the word will (boule) is: project, intention, purpose. It additionally suggests reflection and deliberation. Basically, the Holy Trinity holds a council meeting over us! With deliberation and thought, God considers the best way to utilize us, aligning circumstances to fulfill His purpose.

Now, He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:27-28 (NKJV)

Let’s look at the life of Jeremiah. God ordained him to be a prophet and provided Jeremiah with the necessary gifts to carry out this ministry during a specific time. He served as a profit through the rule of five kings of Judah (Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah). His prophetic ministry extended over a period of more than 40 years, during which he wrote both Jeremiah and Lamentations.

Jeremiah grew up in a generation that saw the tearing down of the pagan high places of worship—altars, pillars, images and even some shrines that dated back to King Solomon (2 Kings 23:10-15). God called Jeremiah to his prophetic ministry about one year after King Josiah began leading the nation in a great reform from the widespread idolatry promoted by his father, Amon. Sadly, Josiah’s reform efforts were not enough to save Judah and Jerusalem from God’s punishment. God instructed Jeremiah to announce Jerusalem’s coming destruction by invaders from the north (Jeremiah 1:14-15; 4:6; 6:22-23).

Jeremiah witnessed the siege and destruction brought forth by the Babylonians (Jer. 37:4-5). The ministry of a prophet was not an easy one. Adding to his hardship, God forbade Jeremiah from taking a wife during his ministry. One can only speculate as to why. Maybe God chose to spare Jeremiah the worry he would have faced had he had a wife and children during this time (Jeremiah 16:1-6).

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV)

Esther is another person God raised up and ordained for a specific purpose during a specific time. With beauty and intelligence, she won the heart of King Xerxes. Through her faith and courage, the annihilation of all Jews was stopped.

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 (NKJV)

Take comfort in knowing God put much thought into the time of your born. This generation is a perfect fit for your life and your purpose will be accomplished during this timeframe. Let us praise Him for the spiritual gifts He has given us and use them to lead this lost generation to the full knowledge of His saving grace.

“One generation shall praise Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:4 (NKJV)

“Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.” Psalm 71:18 (NKJV)